Hardboiled eggs.
Pause.
The lot. They've probably got a crate of beer too. Probably eating my crisps with a pint of beer now. Didn't have anything to say about those crisps, did he? They do all right, don't worry about that. You don't think they're just going to sit there and wait for stuff to come up from down here, do you? They'll get them nowhere.
Pause.
They do all right.
Pause.
And he wants a cup of tea.
Pause.
That's part a joke, in my opinion.
He looks over at BEN, rises, and goes to him.
What's the matter with you? You don't look too bright. I feel like an Alka-Seltzer myself. BEN sits up.
BEN (in a low voice). Time's getting on.
GUS. I know. I don't like doing a job on an empty stomach.
BEN (wearily). Be quiet a minute. Let me give you your instructions. GUS. What for? We always do it the same way, don't we?
BEN. Let me give you your instructions.
GUS signs and sits next to BEN on the bed. The instructions are stated and repeated automatically.
When we get the call, you go over and stand behind the door. GUS. Stand behind the door.
BEN. If there's a knock on the door you don't answer it.
GUS. If there's a knock on the door you don't answer it.
BEN. But there won't be a knock on the door. GUS. So I won't answer it.
BEN. When the bloke comes in--
GUS. When the bloke comes in--
BEN. Shut the door behind him.
GUS. Shut the door behind him.
BEN. Without divulging your presence. GUS. Without divulging your presence. BEN. He'll see me and come towards me. GUS. He'll see you and come towards you. BEN. He won't see you.
GUS (absently). Eh?
BEN. He won't see you.
GUS. He won't see me.
BEN. But he'll see me.
GUS. He'll see you.
BEN. He won't know you're there.
GUS. He won't know you're there